The Sharks have received both good and bad news after their loss against the Chiefs this weekend.

Let’s start with the bad news – Cobus Reinach is on his way back to South Africa following his ankle injury. Reinach came on in the second half, and left with ten minutes or so to go after sustaining an ankle injury. There is no news yet on the full extent of the injury, but it was deemed bad enough for him to miss the next three games on tour.

As far as a replacement player goes, rumour has it that Tian Meyer is on his way to Dunedin to join up with the team. Meyer played junior rugby for the Sharks, coming through the Under 19 and Under 21’s before leaving to join the Pumas. Meyer ran out for the Lions Super Rugby team in 2012, and is back in Durban playing for College Rovers. He has made a few appearances in the Vodacom Cup team as a result of Stefan Ungerer and Hanco Venter being with the Baby-Boks.

Some good news is that Frans Steyn, who was cited for entering a ruck illegally, has been cleared of any violation and will not cop a ban. Should Steyn have received a ban, the Sharks would have lost their only other option at outside centre, along with the string of injuries currently in the squad. Steyn’s clearance along with the expected recovery of JP Pietersen is sure to bolster the Sharks backline ahead of the match against the Highlanders this Saturday.

Lwazi Mvovo has already joined the team after his late call-up, but will not be available for selection this week. He should be available for the two matches in Australia after his speedy recovery from a hand injury.